Folksong: A Ballad of Death, Discovery, and DNA

by Cory Goodrich

If a family tree falls in the woods and no one is around to see it, do I even exist?

Cory Goodrich proudly lived the first fifty-one years of her life as the fourth child of Tom and Ernestine. Then, a mysterious photograph combined with a few comments dropped over the years by her mother like irresistible breadcrumbs revealed the truth. Folksong is at once a remarkable memoir of love and longing, an ode to self-discovery, an emotional ballad of grief and forgiveness, and a heart-stirring look at the lengths to which a family will go to protect themselves and each other.

Goodrich writes the story about the father who took her in, the father who took her away, the father who gave her away, and her 89-year-old mother whose broken heart finally gave out while still protecting the secret to Goodrich’s identity. Sifting through the remnants of a life captured in letters and old Polaroids, Goodrich discovers a secret that sets her on a journey with life-altering consequences. In the era of Ancestry.com, DNA testing, and social media, Goodrich was able to gather together just enough pieces of a puzzle locked away for over fifty years to clearly make out the unfathomable image it depicted.

Throughout, Goodrich reminds us that while things aren’t always what they seem, stunning fortitude and unexpected legacy can rise from the disorganized ashes of a toppled identity.

EDITORIAL REVIEWS

"Goodrich's writing is absolute magic and her story is deeply moving. I couldn't put this book down." 

-Jenna McCarthy, bestselling co-author of The Size of Everything



"The courageous reckoning of a woman blindsided by grief and healed by love and forgiveness." 

-B.K. Jackson, Severance Magazine

346 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 1, 2021

About the author

Cory Goodrich came to Chicago to pursue her dream of acting in 1989. Born in Wilmington, Delaware and raised in Clarkston, Michigan, Cory Goodrich is a Jeff Award-winning best actress for her roles as Mother in Drury Lane Oakbrook’s acclaimed production of Ragtime, and as June Carter Cash in the Johnny Cash revue, Ring of Fire, at Mercury Theater Chicago. A five-time Jeff nominee, Cory has performed in productions at the Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, Chicago Shakespeare, Theatre at the Center, Ravinia, Candlelight, and Drury Lane. A graduate of Michigan State University, she is also a singer/songwriter, producer, writer, mother of two, and children's composer with two award-winning CDs, Hush and Wiggly Toes. She is a recording artist with original country album W.O.M.A.N. As the recipient of the 2015 Cohen-Grappel Recording Endowment, Cory produced Wildwood Flower, a collection of traditional and original folk songs featuring the autoharp. Her latest experimental folk album, which was produced with The Quiet Regret’s Ethan Deppe, is set to drop in March. This album features music from her memoir.

Reviews

[Jinni Pike · Rating 4 out of 5]

I worked with Folksong author Cory Goodrich on a musical in 2018 towards the end of the events of the book. She told me parts of her story then but reading it all together was heart breaking and fascinating. I cried many, many times at the honesty and relatability of Cory's grief over her mother and the feelings of being lost after discovering her family and life weren't what they seemed. A beautifully written first book and I hope she continues to write because just like every other creative skill I've seen her express (singing, playing music, painting) she's supremely talented and has more to say.

[Dawn Davies · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like all true stories, no matter how they are told. I am a fan of this author and grateful for the insight she gives about experiencing paternal fraud/NPE/NPE genetic surprise. It's a life-changing, soul crushing thing to find out you were lied to -- for a lifetime-- about your identity. Goodrich speaks about this in a truly beautiful way that I suspect will resonate with any NPE and she does the subject proud. I hope non-NPE/MPEs can understand a little bit about what NPE/MPEs go through as a result of experiencing this book.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to put down

As someone who also experienced a NPE at age 51, it was hard for me to stop reading Cory's account. It's helpful to hear others' stories, and while many aspects are different there were quite a few connections. Like Cory, I was born in the late 1960s, the youngest daughter of a beautiful and secretive woman who grew up during the depression. So there were cultural touchstones...I entered the Kellogg's drawing contest too!...but alas was not a winner. As a super shy person acting is not my thing. I can relate to Cory as a fellow empath, though, and grew up in a family that didn't appreciate my sensitivity. I can relate to the fear of abandonment and the longing for ...something/someone. I really appreciated this book's honest account of the struggle to forgive and be grateful in these situations. That has been my goal. But. It is so difficult when the lies and untruths piled up over the years (and the disconnect from our biological parent!) keep us from understanding who we are and the exact nature our relationship to our families. Unlike Cory, my mom is still living. Cognitive decline is happening, though, and I am actively wrestling with how much to pry for more information about my mom and myself. This book has given me much to consider. Cory, thank you for sharing your story. I needed to hear this right now.

[Alan Ball · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since this book is largely about honesty, I should be honest, too. I got my copy of Folksong because Cory is a friend. She already has so many other talents, as you’ll learn in the book, I’ll admit I thought adding “author” to the list would be too much to hope for. However, I was terribly - and delightfully - wrong. Folksong is not only a fascinating mystery and a sad-yet-uplifting story, it’s wonderfully written. It’s an accessible, easy read, but both the structure and the style make it highly engaging. And of course, it’s introspective and brutally honest, a rare find these or any days. Cory Goodrich is an actor, singer, musician, and more recently, a painter. She is now without doubt an author as well. Read Folksong. You’ll be glad you did. Honest.

[Beth]

Amazing, heart-wrenching, real story of love, loss, pain, discovery, and forgiveness

Cory takes you with her on her life's journey. From her childhood to present day and everywhere in between, you are with her. She leaves nothing out as she questions her life, her self, her choices, the people she trusted and the people she never met. You learn while she is learning. She is authentic and real as she discovers her mother's secret. It's painful and beautiful at the same time. A must read!

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

My fellow MIME

I went to school with Cory, we were both in theater. Obviously, Cory stayed with it while I did not. Reading her story made me realize that I had a simple life with my family. The hardships she endured were not visible to me at the time, she always had a smile on her face. I'm very happy that she is doing better and a sincere wish for life to go her way from now on. Hugs to you Cory. My favorite memory of you is the sassy smile while sitting on the bar on stage with the pink can can dress on.

[JoAnne Buiteweg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cory's words bring you to your knees and you meet her at the intersection of grief and discovery. Her heart and soul reach out to connect you to her journey where she both uncovers and discovers her very identity. Who we are is a narrative we construct based on what we know and Cory must face redefining that narrative as she decides to dive in to truths hidden and yet with clues for her to trace. Her artistry spills from stage to page and captivates the reader.

[Dawn C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Memoir is entertaining, well written and interesting. Cory recently discovered that her father Tom was not her biological father, and presents an intriguing glimpse of her family history, how she discovers this secret, and how she has processed the new information and new family relationships, and discovering herself in the process. Normally I struggle through reading Memoir's, but not this one.

[Heather Hubeny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genuine & gut wrenching. A must read for anyone struggling with DNA surprises.

Corey has a beautiful , open and honest way of expressing all of the thoughts and feelings those of us grappling with DNA secrets from our past struggle to put into words. I am so grateful for this poignant story of trauma and healing.

[Suzanne Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Searching for answers,

I may be biased as the author is a 2nd cousin, but I enjoyed this book immensely. I find parallels in my own life in this book.
I would recommend it to anyone thinking of finding their biological parent. I feel it would give some good insight on whether you might want to pursue a search.

[Valerie Meachum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unflinching and beautiful

She tells you early on that she doesn’t know any way to be but “maybe too” open, and she’s not kidding. It’s a journey well worth taking, full of exquisite language and imagery and associations, and it felt like a journey I needed to take even if the literal truth of it is like nothing in my experience.

[Kathleen Ruggio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Long Journey

I think this author needed to tell her story to heal herself. It was a difficult youth and sometimes painful life as an adult. There was way to many lies or lack of truths in her life that causes her to go to great lengths to pour out her life and in the end find some peace.

[Marcus Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had to characterize this book in one word it would be, "real." The author leaves everything on the page as she tells her story and portrays her vulnerability and strength with grace. A book anyone going through similar circumstances could hold on to and know they are not alone in their feelings or reactions.

[Colette Case · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Narrative draws you in and never let's go. What would you do if your whole world was flipped on its head? Goodrich tells us what happened to her and how life changes...and in her story telling often gives a glimpse in to each of us humans.

[Carlee Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully heartbreaking

Cory dumps out her heart with such warmth and tenderness. I think all readers will see themselves in this story, whether or not they know their own birth story.

[Kellie Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Poignant and well written

I have now read this book twice. Thought provoking and as a fellow NPE, I have felt all of these emotions. Finding out more of my story after losing my mom to cancer makes Cory incredibly relatable to me.

[Rachel Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cory Goodrich's memoir of death and discovery is a captivating read full of all the best and worst parts of a family secret. Interwoven with the facts are her delightful descriptions and similes and a willingness to let us into the deepest, most personal thoughts she wades through in her journey towards self-discovery. This story is heartfelt and deeply personal, a true master course in understanding parents as people. It is a satisfying ride-along on an emotional roller coaster, and one I found myself relating to on many varied levels.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely remarkably told story. I could not put the book down, and am recommending it like crazy!

[Colleen]

A must read for any NPE! Cory captures the roller coaster of emotions that we all experience. She's a great storyteller